The dust has barely settled on Ghana’s painful absence from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), yet a fresh wave of debate has erupted over the decision to retain Otto Addo as head coach of the Black Stars.

For many fans, missing out on AFCON 2025 was a bitter pill to swallow, but the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) call to stick with Addo has only intensified discussions on the direction of the national team.

Former Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman Kudjoe Fianoo has been vocal about his disappointment, questioning the rationale behind keeping a coach who failed to secure AFCON qualification.

“Our challenges started in Cameroon, and the questions were: is the problem the coach or the players? We have seen changes after every tournament, and so the decision to retain Otto Addo after failing to qualify for AFCON is surprising to me,” Fianoo remarked in an interview on Asempa FM.

READ ALSO: 7 Key Points from Otto Addo’s Response to Calls for His Dismissal

While the coach’s tactics and leadership are under scrutiny, Fianoo insists that squad selection will be the key to Ghana’s future success.

“We must qualify for the World Cup, but the coach must select the right players who will compete for the country because we all want to be at the tournament,” he emphasized.

His sentiments reflect a growing frustration among Ghanaian football enthusiasts who believe that national team call-ups should be based on merit and hunger, rather than reputation.

The Black Stars’ struggles in recent years have left many questioning whether Ghana’s once-feared footballing identity has been lost.

The team’s early AFCON exits and inconsistent World Cup performances have only deepened concerns.

Fianoo, like many fans, believes the solution lies in assembling a squad of dedicated warriors, not just talented individuals. “Players who are ready to die for the team must be invited, and that must be the way to go,” he stressed.

Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!